Interview with Scott Delea

Q: How did you first hear about us about Team Wilderness?

Scott: Both the board of Party With Purpose and I are always on the lookout for grassroots, local charities that are making an impact on kids in the community. As we learned more, it became clear that you were doing the kind of work we believed in and supported for the children we felt needed it the most. It fit perfectly within our portfolio of charities, which focuses on organizations doing something unique. Just as importantly, we look for individuals and organizations, often social entrepreneurs, who efficiently help the kids we aim to support. When we learned more, it just seemed like a natural fit.

Q: What has been your favorite Team Wilderness experience so far?

Steve told me a story that really touched me. I love that you're taking kids into the woods—kids who don’t usually spend much time in nature—and it's not just about walking around. You're actually rappelling, which can be intimidating for anyone, especially for someone who’s never done it before. I remember the first time I tried it; it was both challenging and scary. I appreciate that you’re not only getting these kids into nature, which has its own lessons for all of us, but you’re also incorporating activities like rappelling. This helps them understand that there are challenges in life, and with the right support, people can help you overcome them, allowing you to try new things that you might not have otherwise done.

You work with kids during a key age range (12-20), and we all have an inner child. Part of my inspiration for Party With Purpose came from my own experience when I was around 12. At that age, my family started moving frequently for my dad’s work, sometimes every two years, but once, we moved after just 10 months. Between the ages of 12 and 16, I lived in four different places, which was often disorienting. In addition to earlier experiences in my life, I see myself in some of these kids, and I want to provide them with the support and help that I may not have had at the time.

Q: What motivates you in your work and your life?

I just want to make a difference. Honestly, going back to my earlier point, my childhood wasn’t always easy. There were a few experiences where I encountered kids who didn’t have some of the same opportunities I had, and I just have this innate desire to help and make a difference. I believe in equity and, more importantly, in equality. While I know not everyone is going to receive the same opportunities, I believe everyone deserves the best possible shot. Kids, in particular, don’t choose the circumstances they’re born into, and some are born into situations that aren’t as good as others. As a society, and personally, I feel humbled by the opportunities I’ve had and compelled to make an impact. I want to help those kids who haven’t had the same chances I’ve had or who are going through experiences I can relate to. I believe kids deserve a fair shot, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help provide that. I also believe that as a community, as a village, we have an obligation to help these kids.

If you go to Rwanda, where I’ve been, or to Peru, or certain places in the world, you’ll often find people living with very modest means, but in many cases, they’re still happy. Regardless, you can see that their means are modest. You don’t even have to go that far. Just go a few blocks in a place like Jersey City, and you’ll see kids in circumstances they didn’t ask for, and they deserve better from us as a community. They need us, and they deserve our help.

Q: What is one thing that people don't know about you that you wish they did? 

I think the most important thing I want people to know is that I care about them, I value them, and I appreciate them. My hope is that if we haven't had a chance to connect yet, we will, and that people understand I am supportive. I believe in them and I care—that’s probably the most important thing. I hope I get to show that as much as I can.

I also believe that part of our philosophy of purpose—'work hard, play hard, give hard'—is about trying to combat challenges. These aren’t competing priorities; they are complementary efforts.

Q: What would you say is your biggest or your greatest accomplishment so far in life/work?

I’d say that making sure my family is safe and secure is very important to me. I don’t have kids, but I’m a proud and fun uncle. As the eldest of four siblings, I feel a sense of responsibility to help keep our family cohesive—both with my siblings and my parents—and that can be challenging at times.

Secondly, I’ve lived by my values of working hard, playing hard, and giving hard over a long period of time. Party With Purpose is one example of that. It has been a platform for me, and hopefully for others, that wasn’t just a one-time effort. It’s based on a belief and a philosophy. With a volunteer organization, it’s one thing to get people to show up for an event once, but sustaining it for over 20 years is really hard—especially in a space that’s so transient, where everyone is volunteering. I’m proud of the fact that we’ve not only sustained the organization over time but also grown. The ability to keep it going is something I find pretty remarkable and unusual.

Q: What are your thoughts on empowering youth programs?

Probably the most important thing is to bear witness, be present, consistent, and trustworthy—just be reliable. Be someone who can provide stepping stones and create small positive impacts. Look for opportunities to build bridges for those good things to happen. Essentially, be a bit of a guide, like someone leading a trip.

The best impact we can have on kids is to give them a safe space, listen to them, show them that we care, and find small opportunities to connect the dots for them. Provide them with resources and guidance, while making sure they understand it's up to them to take advantage of those opportunities. That’s how we can really help them.